Debunking the Campervan Myths: The Honest Truth About Campervan Adventures
If you’ve been curious about campervan travel but have heard too many negative takes or myths that make it sound complicated or intimidating — we’re here to set the record straight! Travelling Australia by campervan offers incredible freedom, flexibility, and adventure, but misconceptions often hold people back from giving it a try. Whether you’re worried about cost, comfort, or logistics, we’re here to help. Let’s dive in and debunk the most common campervan myths so you can hit the road with confidence and experience the joy of a true Aussie road trip.
Image: 6 Berth Derwent Campervan ready for a road trip
1. Travelling in a Campervan is Expensive?
Everyone’s first question when planning a trip is usually, “How much will this cost me?” especially for those travelling on a budget. When you start adding up flights, hotels, taxis, bus fares, eating out, and entry fees, the total can quickly skyrocket. But here’s the truth: travelling in a campervan can actually save you money.
Unlike traditional travel, everything you need is rolled into one self-contained unit, transport, accommodation, and kitchen all in one. The myth that campervanning is only for luxury travellers couldn’t be further from the truth. When you break it down, you’re often spending less overall while gaining a lot more freedom.
Modern campervans come fully equipped with comfortable beds, kitchens stocked with essentials, and everything you need to feel at home on the road. Hotels and Airbnb’s can also be pricey, especially for longer trips. The best part? You don’t have to deal with check-ins, transfers, or extra rides to see the sights. Instead, you can literally park next to your next adventure.
It’s convenient, flexible, and one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Australia, allowing you to wake up to a new view every morning without breaking the bank!
Want to learn more? Check out our other blogs:
How to Explore Australia on a Budget
Image: Fully equipped GoCheap campervan
2. Think Campervanning’s Not for You? Think Again
Two of the biggest myths about campervanning are that it’s only for young backpackers chasing adventure or retirees travelling at a slower pace. In truth, campervan travel is for everyone! From young adventurous travellers and families creating memories to older travellers embracing freedom. With the rise of remote work, millennials, Gen Zers, couples, digital nomads, and retirees are all discovering the joy of van life. The common thread? A shared love of freedom, flexibility, and connection with nature proves that campervanning truly suits every lifestyle.
Image: Enjoying life on the road
3. No, You Don’t Have to Rough It
Comfort: One of the biggest myths about campervan travel is that it’s uncomfortable and inconvenient, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Most campervans are designed for comfort and convenience. GoCheap Campervans come fully equipped with cosy beds, a functional kitchen stocked with essentials, bathroom facilities with toilets, hot showers, and running water, plus cleaning gear.
Connectivity: Worried about being disconnected? Don’t be. Many campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, and mobile coverage across most of Australia is excellent! Perfect for streaming, remote work, or staying in touch while on the go. Life on the road doesn’t mean going off the grid unless, of course, you want to.
Safety: Another common misconception is that campervanning isn’t safe whether it’s driving a larger vehicle or staying overnight in new places. Campervans are built with advanced safety features for a smooth, protected journey. Campervan travel in Australia is incredibly safe. Stick to well-known routes, follow road rules, and stay in designated camping areas for complete peace of mind while you explore the open road. Every rental comes with our 24/7 roadside assistance so you can travel with confidence knowing help is always just a call away.
Image: Stunning views from your GoCheap 2 Berth Tamar Campervan
4. Campervans are a Nightmare to drive and park?
One of the biggest fears about travelling in a campervan is the idea that driving and parking such a large vehicle will be difficult. But in reality, campervans are designed to be user-friendly and easy to handle. Our GoCheap 2 Berth & 4 Berth Hi Top Campervans and 2 Berth Tamar Campervan all fit in a standard car spot making it easier to drive and park on your road trip.
GoCheap Campervans drive much like large cars, with automatic transmission, power steering, and reversing cameras making them easy to use even for first timers. Our campervans even come with cruise control, making long drives smoother and more enjoyable. While it might take a little getting used to at first, with a bit of practice and extra care in tight spots, you’ll quickly feel confident behind the wheel.
When it comes to parking, don’t stress, we’ve got you covered! Check out our blog make your road trip experience simple and stress-free.
Image: Smooth driving on Australian roads
5. Campervan Travel Isn’t Family Friendly
Campervanning is perfect for families, offering freedom on the road, flexible schedules, comfortable sleeping spaces, and the bonus of never having to unpack between stops. Many campsites and caravan parks even feature playgrounds, pools, and family-friendly facilities, making every stop an adventure. Most of our GoCheap Campervans come equipped with an entertainment unit, including a TV and DVD player, so downtime on the road can be just as enjoyable. It’s also a wonderful way for families to reconnect and spend quality time together away from the busyness of everyday life whether that’s through a board game night, a movie night, or a shared meal in your cosy camper. It’s also far more budget-friendly than paying for multiple flights and hotel rooms.
Check out our blogs on family campervan travel:
Exploring Australia With Kids: Family-Friendly Activities And Destinations
The Joy of Family Motorhome Adventures: Memories That Last a Lifetime
Image: Family bonding time
6. Campervan Trips Are Only for Long Holidays
Another common myth is that renting a campervan is only worth it for long holidays or summer adventures. The truth? Campervanning is flexible and perfect for any kind of getaway whether it’s a weekend escape, a short family break, or an extended road trip. With GoCheap Campervans, you have the freedom to plan your journey your way. To help you make the most of your time, our rentals have a minimum of five to ten day hire period, giving you the chance to truly immerse yourself in your Australian road trip.
Campervan travel isn’t just a summer thing it’s an all-year-round experience. Our vehicles are fully equipped for every season, featuring cosy sleeping areas, bathrooms with hot showers, and accessories available for hire like small fan heaters to keep you warm during the cooler months. Winter road trips in Australia have their own kind of magic with fewer crowds and the peace of off-season travel. Whether you’re chasing snowy mountain views or enjoying quiet coastal towns, our well-equipped campervan ensures comfort and freedom no matter the weather!
Image: Exploring beautiful Australia
7. You Can Only Stay at Paid Campsites or Caravan Parks
After a long day on the road, the big question is where to stay? Many travellers assume campsites are costly, but Australia offers a huge range of options to fit every budget. From free or budget-friendly sites in stunning remote spots to holiday parks with pools, restaurants, and entertainment there’s something for everyone. Many parks also offer off-peak or long-stay discounts, making it easy to save. Wherever you camp, there’s an option that suits your style and budget.
Check out our other blogs for more information:
Free and Cheap Campsites in Australia
How To Find Free Camping Sites in Australia: Tips & Tricks
Image: GoCheap campervan parked at campsite
Despite its growing popularity, campervan travel still comes with its fair share of myths and misconceptions. But no matter what kind of trip you’re planning, GoCheap Campervans has the perfect campervan to suit your needs making life on the road effortless. Now that the myths have been debunked, it’s time to start planning your Australian road trip and experience the true freedom, flexibility, and adventure that campervanning has to offer. So next time you hear one of those myths, you’ll know the truth. All that’s left to do is pack your bags, grab the keys, and hit the open road with GoCheap Campervans!
Image: Budget friendly 2 Berth Hi Top Campervan
Check out our other blogs to help with your campervan experience:
Australia Travel Essentials: Do’s And Don’ts For An Amazing Trip
Must Have Travel Apps For Your Aussie Campervan Road trip
Camper Talk Made Easy: Terms to Know
How to Explore Australia on a Budget
A First-Timer’s Guide To Hiring A Campervan
Tips for cooking on your campervan road trip
Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
